Cruel summer '89 - Bananarama

'Cruel summer' was a hit for Bananarama, reaching number 9 in the UK singles chart in August 1983. In 1989, the record company decided on releasing a remix of the track as a single, which wasn't a brilliant idea to begin with.

This 12" single adds some more misery to the whole idea. I didn't know this when I bought it, of course, otherwise I would never have done it. The remixes of three Bananarama hits are all abyssmal. A crash course in ruining great pop songs.

My collection: 12" single no. 420
Found: unknown
Cost: unknown
Tracks: 'Cruel summer '89 (Swing beat dub)', 'I heard a rumour (Corporation of Bananarama mix)' / 'Venus (The Greatest remix)'

Let it be - Ferry Aid

I don't really know why - well it probably was a lack of funds - but I never bought the 12" single of Ferry Aid's 'Let it be' despite being a fan of several artists on this record. 23 years later, I finally managed it and what a pleasant surprise this disc holds...

The remixed version of 'Let it be' starts with the part of Kate Bush, so basically it starts on a high. It's very interesting to hear a different sequence of artists in the 12" mix.

My collection: 12" single no. 545
Found: discogs.com, received May 18, 2010
Cost: 5 euro
Tracks: 'Let it be [12" remix]' / 'Let it be (Mega message mix)'

Catch me - Marsha Raven

Before the 'Anglia remix' was created, which spawned the hit single version of 'Catch me' by Marsha Raven, she released the track without the sound effect of Big Ben in it.

This 12" single is the extended version of the original single version, and it features no clocks whatsoever. Without that, it loses a lot of its appeal although it's still a very danceable track.

My collection: 12" single no. 542
Found: Plaatboef, Rotterdam, 2001
Cost: 2,5 guilders
Tracks: 'Catch me' / 'Catch me (instrumental mix)'

Ooh to be ah - Kajagoogoo

Kajagoogoo were scorned in the Eighties (and after) became they were considered to be naff. But when you listen to their music now, it holds up very well. The song with the nonsensical title 'Ooh to be aah' is a great piece of breezy pop that has stood the test of time better than you'd think.

This 12" single features an extended remix of 'Ooh to be ah' plus a B-side track that was not featured on the 7" single.

My collection: 12" single no. 544
Found: Plaatboef, Rotterdam, 2000
Cost: 2,5 guilders
Tracks: 'Ooh to be ah (The Construction mix)' / 'Ooh to be ah', 'Interview rooms'

Secrets - Fiat Lux

Back in November 2008, I featured the 7" single of Fiat Lux's 'Secrets' on this blog. The song cannot be downloaded from there anymore as I never reupload tracks (so don't ask, please).

However, since I have this 12" single as well, both tracks are available once more. And it's just as well, since 'Secrets' is one of the best songs of the Eighties, I dare say. It's a shame that this 12" single does not include an extended version of the track, but there is an extra B-side - which I have to say is a bit of a throwaway track...

My collection: 12" single no. 248
Found: unknown
Cost: unknown
Tracks: 'Secrets' / 'Comfortable life', 'Aqua vitae'

Don't break my heart - UB40

This is not the best 12" remix in the history of mankind - in fact, it's rather lame. It features the single version of UB40's 'Don't break my heart', which fades out at the end while a different track fades in: it's an instrumental roughly based on the tempo and key of the song but doesn't really belong here. I think many people must have felt a bit cheated when they played this record after buying it.

My collection: 12" single no. 376
Found: Plaatboef, Rotterdam, 2000
Cost: 2,5 guilders
Tracks: 'Don't break my heart (12" version)' / 'Mek ya rok (12" version)'

Owner of a lonely heart - Yes

What a shame. Trevor Horn produced Yes's 'Owner of a lonely heart' in 1983, creating a great and innovative rock track - but then decided to make a remix as well. The result is on this 12" single, and I repeat: what a shame. The remix is not much more than a random collection of noises that becomes increasingly grating as time progresses and no verse or chorus appears.

The B-side, fortunately, offers the A- and B-side of the 7" single, so owners of this 12" single can always take their refuge to that side.

My collection: 12" single no. 543
Found: unknown
Cost: unknown
Tracks: 'Owner of a lonely heart (Special remix dance version)' / 'Owner of a lonely heart', 'Our song'